Medicare advantage benefits

What are the advantages of having Medicare Advantage?

More and more people are choosing Medicare Advantage plans because they offer extra benefits and help manage costs. These plans are growing in popularity because they often include things like dental, vision, hearing, and drug coverage all in one plan. In the following information, you’ll learn how Medicare Advantage works, how it’s different from Original Medicare, the extra benefits you may receive, and why it may be a good choice for your health care. 

What makes Medicare Advantage different from Original Medicare? 

Medicare is the federal health insurance for people over 65 or under 65 with certain disabilities. Original Medicare includes hospital insurance (Part A) and medical insurance (Part B). Original Medicare pays for most costs for covered health care services and supplies, but it doesn’t cover everything. Medicare Advantage plans are different from Original Medicare because they’re offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare, and these plans combine Part A, Part B, and sometimes Part D (prescription drug coverage) into one plan. Most plans offer extra benefits not covered by Original Medicare, like dental, vision, hearing, fitness memberships, over-the-counter (OTC) allowances, and more. They also have a yearly limit on how much you have to pay out-of-pocket, which Original Medicare does not offer.

Benefits of Medicare Advantage plans

It is important to understand your options when you become eligible for Medicare so that you can choose the type of plan that best fits your financial and health care needs. While Original Medicare covers the basics for inpatient hospital stays and doctor visits, if you need coverage for glasses, teeth cleaning, or hearing exams, a Medicare Advantage plan may be the right choice for you. Here are some of the top reasons to choose a Medicare Advantage plan:

All-in-one coverage for hospital, doctor, and drug costs

Medicare Advantage plans combine all benefits into one easy-to-use plan. Instead of having different plans for inpatient hospital care, doctor visits, and prescription drugs, Medicare Advantage plans cover everything together. This makes it easier to manage your health and benefits.

Extra benefits like vision, dental, and hearing

Original Medicare doesn’t cover things like routine dental, eye, or hearing exams. But most Medicare Advantage plans do. These extra benefits help you take care of your whole health, not just your basic needs. Getting help with glasses, fillings, and discounts on hearing aids can help you live your best life. 

Prescription drug coverage built in

Original Medicare does not cover Part D, so that means you will have to buy a separate drug plan through a private insurance company. However, most Medicare Advantage plans include Part D to help pay for prescription medications. Your medications are included in your plan and sometimes offer $0 copays depending on the drug tier. 

Out-of-pocket maximum for peace of mind

As you age, health care expenses increase, especially if you have a chronic condition or a long-term illness that requires frequent trips to the doctor. Original Medicare has no cap on out-of-pocket costs and pays about 80% of hospital and medical service costs. You are responsible for paying the rest without limits. However, Medicare Advantage plans have a yearly limit on how much you’ll pay out-of-pocket for covered services. Once you reach that limit, the plan pays 100% of covered services for the rest of the year. This protects you from unexpected costs if you have a lot of health care needs. It gives you peace of mind to help you focus on your health, not your wallet, when you need care the most. 

Easy referrals to specialists and UPMC providers

When you need a specialist, your Medicare Advantage plan can help you get connected quickly. UPMC for Life plans make referrals easy and give you access to the high-quality care of UPMC and a large network of community doctors and hospitals across PA and out of state. This can be helpful for people with ongoing health needs so that doctors and specialists work together to coordinate your care.

Emergency coverage nationwide

Even if you’re traveling across the country, your Medicare Advantage plan has you covered. Emergency and urgent care are included anywhere in the U.S. with all Medicare Advantage plans. Some plans even offer in-network coverage in certain states for non-emergencies. This gives you the freedom to visit family or go on vacation without worrying about what happens if you get sick. 

Local support from a trusted Pennsylvania-based plan

UPMC for Life Medicare Advantage plans are staffed locally by the UPMC Health Care Concierge team who truly know your community. The representatives are knowledgeable about Medicare and how your plan works. They understand the doctors, hospitals, and services in your area so they can get you the information you need in just one call. When your doctors and insurance work together, everyone is on the same page and help you find the right care quickly. 

Wellness programs and fitness memberships

Staying active and healthy is easier when your plan helps you do it. Many Medicare Advantage plans offer wellness plans like health coaching, personal counseling, rewards programs for completing certain preventive care, and fitness memberships like SilverSneakers®. These benefits can help you stay healthy and independent. Best of all, they’re often included in your plan at no extra cost to you.

Low or $0 monthly premium options

Some Medicare Advantage plans offer very low or $0 monthly premiums and have lower costs than getting separate Medicare and drug plans. You still pay your Part B premium to Medicare, but you don’t have to pay anything extra just to have the Part C plan. You usually just pay a small amount when you use health care services, like seeing a doctor or getting a prescription. You get coverage for what you actually need without paying more every month. 

Why more people are choosing Medicare Advantage each year

More people across the country are choosing Medicare Advantage plans each year. In 2025 about 35.1 million people were enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans. Enrollment in Medicare Advantage has doubled over the past decade, up from 19% in 2007. The Congressional Budget Office projects that 64% of Medicare beneficiaries will choose Medicare Advantage by 2034.¹ Medicare Advantage members save on average $3,486 per year, compared to those with Original Medicare alone. Plus, 95% of Medicare Advantage members report being satisfied with their coverage.² Here is why more than half of the people in the United States who are eligible for Medicare are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan:

• Includes your Medicare Parts A and B coverage.
• Low or no-cost options for many common out-of-pocket expenses.
• Most plans include prescription drug coverage.
• Most plans include dental, vision, and hearing coverage.
• Most plans include extra health and wellness benefits like transportation, fitness, allowance for over-the-counter products, and money back for your Part B premium in your monthly Social Security check.
• Maximum out-of-pocket limits.

Ready to explore Medicare Advantage plans?

Medicare Advantage plans offer many benefits that make your health care simpler and more affordable. With all-in-one coverage, extra benefits like dental, vision, and hearing, low or $0 premiums, and support from a trusted local team, it’s easy to see why more people are choosing these plans. If you’re looking for coverage that fits your health care needs and budget, Medicare Advantage could be a great choice. 

See available UPMC for Life plans in your area or to talk with a Medicare Advisor.

¹ Congressional Budget Office, Medicare Baseline Projection (June 2024 report)
² State of Medicare Advantage Report, Better Medicare Alliance (2025 report)